Comments:
I've retired from the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service. 32 years in government (25 with FMCS, 4 with the Office of Personnel Management's Federal Investigations Dicision, and almost 3 years with the U.S.Army, 141st Signal Battalion, 1st Armored Division, in Ansbach, Germany)
Now I am a 'household engineer,' and enjoy doing all the things I want to do. I planned to take a road trip around the state with my sister, but we've postponed that, for now. I still have a garden and continue to grow a variety of fruits, vegetables, trees, & flowers in my back yard. The blueberries & strawberries did much better this year. I got a late start this year due to weather. All of my vegetable and flower seeds have germinated, and everything looks promising!
My daughters and grandchildren are doing great! Isabella had an excellent freshman year at Temple. Winter just graduated high school and we are very proud of her accomplishments. William had an excellent freshman year at the Pathway School, where he will continue his education. Thankfully, everyone is in good health. We are so blessed! All is good!
Prior Profile:
I enlisted in the Army in September, 1973 when I was 18. (I thought at the time, I'll "Join the Army and see the world!", and "Be all that you can be" - which I did!) Enlisting was probably one of the smartest things that I ever did. I served as a Communications Center Specialist, with the 141st Signal Battalion, in Ansbach, West Germany (about 35 kilometers from Nueremburg - Geez, I hope I spelled that right.)
My 1st husband was stationed in the same unit as I was. We got married in December, 1975, in Germany. After our honorable discharges, we moved to rural Alabama, where he was from. Jimmie Landers & I had 2 daughters. After two years and too much abuse, my daughters and I escaped and moved to South Philadelphia, where my Dad moved after Mom died. I've lived in South Philadelphia ever since.
Two years later, I met Richard Rafferty. I was 25 and he was 36. He and I raised our daughters (and as far as we're concerned, he's always been their Dad!) Richard was my best friend, the love of my life, my everything. He passed away 18 years ago on my birthday, from cancer. Richard worked for 31 years as a deckhand on tugboats. I work for the Federal government. Anyway, we worked hard, bought a house, raised our girls, watched them grow, get married, and now I am blessed with 3 grandchildren. I wish Richard could've lived long enough to see them, but I get the feeling he watches over us every day. My family, and especially my grandchildren, bring me so much joy!
In spite of all the tragedies and drama over the years, I try to live a very quiet, peaceful life. I hope that anyone who may read this is as lucky as I've been and has as wonderful a life!!
Media was a great place to grow up, Penncrest was a great school, and I knew some really special people.
All the best to you and your families!
Sincerely,
Sharon Rafferty (nee: Teeple, a.k.a. Landers)
